Joseph Kobzon to perform in Armenia’s capital

“I am glad to be in Yerevan again,” People’s Artist of the USSR Joseph Kobzon told Armenian journalists on Thursday.

He will give a charity concert on the occasion of his 75^th birthday anniversary at the Aram Khachatryan concert hall.

“I knew Aram Khachatryan and we had numerous meetings in Moscow,” Mr Kobzon said.

“I have numerous associations with Armenia. When I served in the Transcaucasus military district I came here as a member of the song and dance company. I could not even think of becoming a professional singer and giving solo concerts in Yerevan,” said the singer.

In Moscow he got acquainted with renowned Armenian composers – Alexander Dolukhanyan, Mikael Tariverdiyev, Arno Babajanyan, Alexey Ekimyan and Georgy Movsesyan. “I made friends with Armenian musicians, let alone my friendship with Konstantin Orbelyan and Georgi Garanyan.”

“I felt affection for this long-suffering people,” Mr Kobzon said.

He also recalled the devastating earthquake in Armenia’s Spitak in December 1988.

“I am proud of being an honorary freeman of Spitak,” he said.

At today’s concert he will sing the songs composed by his Armenian friends.

“Among them are songs by Babajanyan, Tariverdiyev, Movsesyan,” the singer said.

“We must not forget the ones that once were with us,” Mr Kobzon says.

The concert has been organized by the Constellation international fund, with the assistance of Armenia’s Ministry of Culture.

‘I Love You, Life’ is the slogan of the charity concert program, which includes both well-known and new songs. All the funds to be raised during the concert will be directed to the purchase of instruments for Gyumri music schools.

Companies and soloists from Armenia and Russia will perform as well.